The Science Discovery Center was founded by Professor Emeritus of Physics Albert J. Read in 1987. Read taught at SUNY Oneonta from 1957 until his retirement in 1985. He was chair of the Physics Department from 1983 through 1984, and served as director of the Science Discovery Center until 2005.

His charitable gifts to the college have helped and will continue to support the operations of the SDC, as well as endowing the A.J. Read Scholarship for science and science education students.

The A.J. Read Science Discovery Center offers hands-on learning for students of all ages. For more than two decades, future teachers and other student volunteers have shared their love of science with children from the community during special “Science Saturdays,” visits by school groups, and other events.

During renovation of the Physical Science Building, the center has been temporarily relocated to the third floor of Bugbee Hall. It is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.